Our 3rd Annual Golf Outing went off without a hitch yesterday, and a lot of big bangs the night before! I left a cold and rainy Portland late last week to arrive in Philadelphia at the beginning of a crazy-hot and humid heatwave. From Saturday until Tuesday, the daily highs were near 100 degrees, with the heat index hovering around 106 – seriously hot, sticky and sweaty! The weather forecasters promised thunderstorms to break the heat on Tuesday PM and thanks be to the weather gods – the rains came and on Wednesday AM we all arrived excited for a beautiful day of golfing and fundraising for HHI. Yet, we came to find some spectacular weather damage on the course, a massive old tree was ripped right out of the ground at the first tee!!!
We had 60 golfers take to the course in their little carts, armed with friends, talent and enthusiasm. There were birdies, bogeys, eagles, mulligans and pars (all golf speak) and there was also a shiny red new Cadillac to be won at hole #14! No one did get that hole-in-one for the Caddy, but everyone had a had a great day of play. Once everyone joined us in the Club House for lunch and the auction – featuring a PGA flag signed by the living legend Tiger Woods! Stepping back a moment, let’s marvel at the fact that our little event had something from Tiger. How on earth could this be? He is so talented and loved that he is beyond famous and the word in the golf world is that he doesn’t sign flags for benefits. Ah, but these naysayers have never met my mother! She wrote his a very personal, thoughtful and well-crafted letter wishing he and his wife all the best with their young baby, and sending them an HHI Baby Massage DVD as a gift. She also explained the mission of HHI on behalf of babies and something must have struck him. Tiger signed our flag, it was beautifully framed and it was a highlight our our benefit! Thanks Mom! And thank you Tiger!
See the day’s highlights Click for pics.
Together we raised enough money to reach more than 1,500 needy children with improved childcare, building the foundation for a lifetime of healthy development! Way to go Golfers!!!
More thanks to our Golf Outing Organizers, Roberta & Don Peterson. The enthusiastic work of the HHI Golf Committee and Volunteers: Marjorie Smink, Patricia Arrington, Jim Grant, Brad Grant,Jim & Ginny Foreman,Ann & Tom Jones, Mindy Frank,and Lloyd & Lee Perry. All of our generous Sponsors: Don & Bert Peterson, Apex Advertising, the Kevin J. Traynor, Sr. Family Foundation ~ Trudy Traynor, Eric & Julie Peterson,Bodek & Rhodes, Inc., Benefit Matters, Inc. ~ James S. Grant, Kirk & Anne Peterson, Gina Ridgway, Howard Cates, International Merchandise Concepts ~ Wendy Simons, Mort & Libby Bauer, Dana & Gretchen Lerch, Educational Development Services, LLC ~ Andrew Stifler, Ted & Barbara Widmayer, Lloyd & Emily Perry, Brandywine Classic Cabinetry, Paul Ladner, Joe & Lorraine Hackenbracht, Vince & Joann Donahue, John & Barbara Woodcock, Charlene Bosken, Barbara Gord, Jim & Ellie Sheen, Natalie & Andy Finkelman, Don & Diane Sonnenberg, General Sales Company of West Chester, Inc Cadillac and Saab Dealership. Bob Hayes and his team at the Kimberton Golf Club.
My thanks to all these people and so many more who played in the event, came to the luncheon, donated to the auctions and gave in so many ways! You are a part of an army of philanthropists and it is all of working together that get to make really great things happen in the world!
